Ezekiel 46:16

ยถ Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it [shall be] their possession by inheritance.

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; If the prince {H5387} give {H5414} a gift {H4979} unto any {H376} of his sons {H1121}, the inheritance {H5159} thereof shall be his sons {H1121}'; it shall be their possession {H272} by inheritance {H5159}.

"Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'If the prince turns over part of his hereditary property to one of his sons, it is his inheritance; it will belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance.

This is what the Lord GOD says: โ€˜If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance.

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance.

Commentary

Ezekiel 46:16 is part of the prophet Ezekielโ€™s detailed vision concerning the future temple and the ordinances governing its worship and administration in a restored Israel. This specific verse addresses the permanence of gifts given by the prince to his sons, establishing their right to possession by inheritance.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel's extensive prophecies regarding the new temple (chapters 40-48), which describe its precise dimensions, rituals, and the roles of priests and the prince. Chapter 46 specifically focuses on the prince's offerings and his access to the temple courts. The "prince" here is understood not as a reigning monarch but as a key administrative and spiritual figure in the restored community, distinct from the high priest. His actions and provisions are divinely ordained, ensuring order and equity within the future theocratic society.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Law: The meticulous detail in Ezekiel's temple vision, including regulations for inheritance, highlights God's desire for perfect order and justice in His kingdom. Every aspect, even seemingly minor provisions for the prince's family, is divinely established.
  • Inheritance and Possession: The verse emphasizes the permanence of the gift ("shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance"). This speaks to the security and divine guarantee of what is bestowed, particularly within God's decreed system. It underscores the concept of a secure, divinely sanctioned inheritance.
  • The Role of the Prince: The prince acts as a steward under God's ultimate authority, responsible for upholding God's ordinances and providing for his household according to divine law. His giving is not arbitrary but within a structured system that ensures long-term stability and rightful ownership.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "inheritance" is nachalah (ื ึทื—ึฒืœึธื”), which signifies a possession, heritage, or patrimony, often referring to land or property passed down through generations. Its use here reinforces the idea of a permanent, legally recognized transfer of ownership, emphasizing that these gifts are not temporary allocations but enduring possessions. The term for "gift" is mattanah (ืžึทืชึธึผื ึธื”), indicating something given, a present, or an offering.

Cross-References and Connections

This concept of a secure, divinely sanctioned inheritance resonates throughout Scripture. For instance, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel in Numbers 26:52-56 is a foundational example of inheritance by divine decree. In the New Testament, believers are said to have an inheritance in Christ, which is imperishable and secure (1 Peter 1:4). The permanence of the prince's gifts to his sons in Ezekiel's vision foreshadows the eternal security of God's spiritual blessings and promises to His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 46:16 offers insight into the meticulousness of God's planning and the security of His provisions. Just as the prince's gifts to his sons were permanent possessions, so too are the spiritual blessings and promises God bestows upon His children. This verse encourages us to trust in the faithfulness of God, who ensures that what He gives is eternally secure. It reminds us that our spiritual inheritance in Christ is not fleeting but a guaranteed possession, reflecting the steadfastness of God's covenants and His divine order.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 21:3

    And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.

  • Galatians 4:7

    Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

  • Romans 8:29

    ยถ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

  • Romans 8:32

    He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

  • Luke 10:42

    But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

  • Genesis 25:5

    And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

  • Genesis 25:6

    But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.